Benediktas Žemaitis’ Post

I was having a chat with my colleagues the other day about our portfolio (we've got a pretty diverse founder group - it's something we actively monitor and are proud of) and general founder dermographics across VC backed companies. One big discussion point that came about - entirely organically with 'tech bros' as an inspiration - was regarding the age of founders across our portfolio (again, we have a great mix) and more generally across lifesciences/healthcare and tech and whether there was a difference in how well they were performing and their success. So.....me being me....I thought i'd do a bit of reading. As an FYI, this topic came up several year ago pre-COVID (I recall a Wharton report as particularly stand-out-ish) and from memory, the general consensus was that 35 - 45 year olds tended to 'perform' better as entrepreneurs. Has it changed over recent times, especially given the COVID driven digital switch? Here's a snippet of what I found (there are unsurprisingly quite a lot of articles...): 👉 A comprehensive study from FounderJar found that a 40-year-old founder is 2.1 times more likely to succeed than a 25-year-old, with the average age of successful founders at 41.5 years. Even more impressive, the average age of those who exit with an IPO or acquisition is 46.5. You can check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eGc_3MRB 👉 Business Initiative reports that 50-year-old entrepreneurs are nearly twice as likely to succeed compared to 30-year-olds, apparently due to their experience, financial stability, and developed networks. More on this here: https://lnkd.in/eGawmZmi 👉 And finally, The article from The Conversation challenges the common belief that young people are the most radical innovators, revealing that individuals over 50 are often the more transformative entrepreneurs. The research highlighted in the article indicates that older entrepreneurs possess greater experience, industry knowledge, and networks, which allow them to take a more innovative approach to problem-solving. Link: https://lnkd.in/erjpWRWD Thoughts welcome... #Entrepreneurship #StartupSuccess #ExperienceMatters #AgeIsJustANumber #EarlyStageInvesting

🚀 Startup success isn’t tied to age—it’s tied to experience and timing. According to this article, the average age of successful founders might surprise you—it’s not in their early 20s! Instead, it highlights how expertise, resilience, and strategic thinking often come later in life, paving the way for impactful entrepreneurship. key points : ▪️Experience Matters: Older founders often bring more industry knowledge, managerial experience, and professional networks, which are critical for building a successful business. ▪️Diverse Advantages: Age and experience equip founders with better problem-solving skills, financial stability, and the ability to assess risks effectively. ▪️Not Just Tech Startups: While younger founders are often associated with tech startups, this trend highlights the broader entrepreneurial landscape where experience plays a significant role. ▪️Broader Perspective: The study reveals that life experience and deep expertise often outweigh the perceived advantage of youthful energy and fresh ideas. As I begin my journey of starting my own architecture firm, this insight is both encouraging and empowering. It’s a reminder that the right time to start is when your knowledge and vision align. Do you believe age plays a significant role in entrepreneurial success? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dF-76aaD #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #Architecture #BusinessSuccess #ExperienceMatters #StartupSuccess

Age is a massive advantage in startups. A U.S. study showed that the average age of founders of the highest-growth startups is 45. The 2023 Startup Muster study showed that 71% of Australian fstartup ounders were aged 40 or more, up from 50% in 2018, and 34% were 50 or older. The U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research study stated "we find no evidence to suggest that founders in their 20s are especially likely to succeed. Rather, all evidence points to founders being especially successful when starting businesses in middle age or beyond, while young founders appear disadvantaged." Here are five reasons why younger is not necessarily better in startup founders: 🧠 Industry Expertise: Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation research shows prior industry experience significantly boosts startup success. Founders in their 40s and 50s bring decades of sector knowledge and diverse professional networks, accelerating partnerships, funding, and customer acquisition. 💰 Financial Grounding: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports entrepreneurs over 45 are more likely to self-fund ventures. This financial independence allows for greater control and long-term strategic planning, free from external pressure. 👑 Leadership Ability: Research in MIT Sloan Management Review shows seasoned founders excel in team building, conflict resolution, and navigating complex business landscapes – crucial skills for startup success. ⚖️ Calculated Risk-Taking: Research consistently debunks the young risk-taker myth. Entrepreneurs in their 40s and 50s make more informed risk assessments, leading to sustainable business models and higher success rates. 🔄 Adaptability and Innovation: Contrary to the stereotype of older individuals being set in their ways, research found that older entrepreneurs exhibit higher levels of entrepreneurial creativity. The study showed that founders aged 50+ scored significantly higher on measures of ideational behavior and innovation, suggesting that life experience enhances rather than diminishes creative problem-solving in business contexts. This is absolutely not to say that younger people shouldn't be entrepreneurs. There is always massive potential for learning and success. However the stereotype of the startup founder in their twenties needs to be laid to rest once and for all. Entrepreneurs are of all ages, and the not-so-young ones in fact tend to be more successful. #LinkedInTopStartups #entrepreneurship #diversity

🔥 45. That’s the average age of a $1B startup founder. “One of the most in-depth studies on the relationship between age and startup success was conducted by researchers from MIT, Northwestern, Wharton and the U.S. Census Bureau. They found that the mean age of startup founders across the U.S. was 42 years. The mean age of high-tech startup founders (where one might presume that the founders are younger) was 43. And the average age of founders of the rare ultra-fast growth unicorns (the 1 in 1,000 fastest growing ventures) was 45. The study shows that the likelihood of success as a founder increases with age until the age of 60. The older you get, the more likely your chances of success are. A 50-year-old founder is twice as likely to build a thriving enterprise that has either an IPO or a successful acquisition as a 30-year-old founder. And you don’t necessarily need practice as an entrepreneur to become one. Most successful founders have worked in corporate and other jobs before starting their venture.” Source: https://lnkd.in/dKbC-W8t 🩸 Elizabeth Holmes may have dropped out of uni, hoping to emulate the likes of Steve Jobs or Zuckerberg…but look what happened to Theranos. 😎 University degrees, experience, and a willingness and ability to bootstrap is how the majority of founders succeed…and shoot for 🦄 status. #startuplife #straightfacts #entrepreneur

Tech startups are not just a fleeting trend; they're reshaping our world! With a staggering 50% of small businesses failing within the first five years, there's a critical lesson about resilience and adaptability that every entrepreneur should learn. Reflecting on this makes it clear that the journey is filled with challenges, yet each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth. As we embrace innovation, it becomes essential to remain open to change and continuously seek knowledge. The statistics suggest that those who invest in their skills and stay informed about industry shifts are the ones who thrive. Exciting times lie ahead for those ready to take the leap! What are your thoughts on how we can better support new entrepreneurs in overcoming initial hurdles? Let's foster a community that believes in potential and encourages creativity! https://lnkd.in/eMmbAgme

Here's a hard truth: most startups fail. It's a staggering statistic—20% go under within the first year and 75% in the first 15 years. But that's not the end of the story. The most successful companies today are not just lucky; they embody grit and resilience. Take Confinity, for instance. They shifted from beaming payments to Palm Pilots (a complete flop) to becoming the powerhouse we know as PayPal. The journey of a founder involves grappling with failure, not dodging it. It's about testing ideas, embracing setbacks, and nurturing the conviction to keep iterating. You want to be a successful founder? You better get comfortable with discomfort. Don’t be paralyzed by the fear of failure; it’s simply part of the path. Have conviction in your ideas and the team behind them. If you don’t believe in your mission, no one else will. What challenges have you faced in developing conviction for your startup? Share your thoughts, especially if you've navigated through the messy world of entrepreneurship. And if you're looking for insights like these delivered fresh, check out the 5 Minute Founders newsletter for a distilled approach to business wisdom. There’s power in brevity. https://lnkd.in/ewuPGpkg

📰 The Paradox of Economic Precarity: How Instability Fuels the Entrepreneurial Dream In today's uncertain economic landscape, traditional avenues like long-term employment are becoming increasingly hard to come by. This instability, however, is not causing caution but is paradoxically fueling the entrepreneurial dream, leading to a surge in micro-enterprises and startups. 👉 Visit: https://lnkd.in/eHQK9bZs 📢 📰 #managementconsulting #CH #Switzerland #crisismanagement #turnaround

Did you hear this Millennials? Don’t despair! our twenties might be behind us, but the innovation ship is far from sailing away. 🚢 We often hear about the “young entrepreneur” or the “23-year-old successful founder” making headlines. well, guess what?  Research shows the average age of a successful founder is 45.‼️ Experience, perspective, connections and resilience—qualities that grow with time - are powerful assets in the world of innovation. So, next time someone says, “Family and kids mean game over,” show them this research and get back to plotting your empire. 😏

It’s time to redefine what we flaunt: not just big names, but the stories of perseverance and innovation behind small businesses. Wouldn't that be something worth sharing? Support Small Startups: A Step Towards a Balanced Lifestyle In a world dominated by big brands, it's easy to overlook the small startups working tirelessly to deliver quality, uniqueness, and innovation. These startups often represent the dreams and dedication of individuals who have poured their hearts into creating something valuable. But the question is: should we support them by incorporating their products and services into our lives, or continue indulging in big-name brands for the sake of status and familiarity? Big brands have their merits—they offer reliability and a sense of prestige. However, small startups bring something irreplaceable: a personal touch, originality, and often, a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. By supporting these ventures, we not only encourage diversity in the market but also contribute to the growth of local economies and the dreams of hardworking entrepreneurs. Imagine a lifestyle where your choices not only reflect your values but also make a positive impact on someone's journey. Incorporating products from startups into our daily lives doesn’t mean giving up on quality; in fact, many startups go the extra mile to ensure their offerings meet or exceed expectations. So, next time you're shopping, think about where your money is going. Are you fueling a corporation or nurturing a dream? Let’s create a balance—support the startups for their passion and creativity while appreciating the big brands for their consistency. After all, every giant brand started as a small venture. Disclaimer- This is not an advertisement but an 💡 idea.

Narrative violation: The average age of a successful high growth founder is 45. Most people think that startup founders are 22 year old dudes eating ramen and sleeping under their desks or living in their garage until they somehow have overnight success. I'm not sure why society perpetuates this myth. These are the outliers, not the most common stories. And this myth discourages people who don't fit that mold to consider starting a company. Here's what the data actually shows: Research from MIT Sloan, led by Pierre Azoulay and Daniel Kim, analyzed data from 2.7 million U.S. entrepreneurs between 2007 and 2014 to explore the relationship between age and entrepreneurial success. They found that the average age of startup founders was 42 years. Moreover, startups with the highest growth potential had an average founder age of 45. The study highlighted that experience, industry knowledge, and accumulated resources—such as financial capital and social connections—were key contributors to entrepreneurial success. For instance, founders with prior experience in the same industry were 125% more likely to succeed. The research also revealed that in sectors traditionally associated with younger founders, such as venture-backed firms, the average founder age was still close to 39 years. If one of your goals in 2025 is to consider entrepreneurship but you think that ship has sailed, I encourage you to take a beat and consider this research.